ECHOES OF COMBAT
POV: Third Person
In the heart of a dense forest clearing, two figures faced each other. One was clad in a simple white patient garb, the fabric split into a top and trousers, his bare feet pressed against the ground. The other stood poised in a slick black jumpsuit and matching boots, exuding an air of controlled elegance. Her red hair cascaded down her back, framing her face, while her slender yet powerful body moved with the precision of a trained fighter.
The man, armed with a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other, stood ready. His opponent wielded a katana, the blade gleaming with deadly precision.
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POV: First Person
(Battle Start: Defeat your enemy in five minutes)
<04:59>
Five minutes. Doesn't sound like much, but if I don't act fast, I'll be the one lying in the dirt.
I surged forward, charging at her with my sword raised. The clash was immediate, her katana blocking my strike effortlessly. My momentum faltered, but I didn't hesitate. She was likely more skilled than I was, but I wasn't about to back down. I had to stay aggressive, keep her on the defensive.
<04:48>
I switched tactics, bringing my dagger into play with a reverse grip. I struck at her from an unexpected angle. She deflected the blow with minimal movement, almost like she was toying with me.
I pivoted and swung my sword in a mighty arc, hoping to catch her off guard. She blocked it again, barely shifting her stance.
Her efficiency was impressive—too impressive. I realized my basic swordsmanship wouldn't win this fight. To beat her, I had to get unpredictable, reckless even, throw her off balance.
I feigned a strike with my sword, letting it hover in the air for a moment. Then, with a swift kick, I sent it flying upward. Grabbing it mid-air, I spun towards her, launching a leg toward her right side.
<04:34>
She didn't block. Instead, she leapt back, her movements fluid and precise, narrowly avoiding my kick.
I didn't let up. I grabbed my dagger and charged at her once again, slashing and striking relentlessly. Every time I thought I had her, she parried, dodged, or evaded with unnerving ease. I couldn't even land a blow.
<03:48>
I was giving it everything I had—random, fluid movements designed to overwhelm. Yet, she countered every one of them. It was like she knew exactly what I was going to do before I even moved. Was she anticipating my actions? Or was it something more?
I didn't know. My mind felt hazy.
Time was slipping away. If I didn't land a blow soon, I would lose.
Then, she attacked.
Her hand extended toward me, and I felt a force push against me—an invisible barrier that sent me hurtling through the air.
Before I could react, she closed the distance between us with astonishing speed. Her fist collided with my face, sending shockwaves through my entire body.
<02:35>
She had an ability—something powerful. She could attract and repel with ease, force me away, and close in with blinding speed.
I couldn't defeat her—not like this.
<02:05>
I had to think. My mind raced.
I remembered the hologram—the interface. Maybe it held the key to turning this around. I frantically scanned for anything that could help me.
There it was: the Copy ability.
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[Copy: The ability to learn the basics of any ability or fighting technique witnessed by the user]
Cost: Nil
Level: Nil
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It wasn't much, but it was all I had.
<01:50>
I didn't know exactly how this ability worked, but I had one shot. If I didn't act now, I'd lose.
I took a deep breath, steeled myself, and retreated. No more random moves. I would focus everything on precision—no hesitation.
With renewed determination, I rushed toward her, my movements sharp and deliberate. I swung my sword, every strike calculated. No feints. No flourishes. I had to press her, force her to make a mistake.
<01:30>
She blocked, her movements still fluid and effortless, but I could feel something shift. Could she be matching my strength? I didn't know. But her hesitation—her lack of immediate counterattack—told me something: she was waiting for me to make a mistake.
I swung my dagger with full force, just as I had before. She blocked it, as expected. But this time, I let it fall, deliberately leaving my hand empty.
Then I swung my sword again—faster, harder. She blocked, but I was already moving in, dashing to her side. I left the sword mid-air, grabbed the dagger from the ground, and kept the pressure on.
<00:46>
I activated Copy, recalling the move she used on me—the ability to attract and repel. I mimicked it.
The pull was instantaneous.
She came flying toward me, her eyes widening in surprise. I was already prepared.
With every ounce of strength I had, I slammed my dagger into her face.
≈Clang≈
The sound was jarring. My dagger didn't penetrate. Instead, it met something solid—an invisible shield.
<00:30>
What the hell? My dagger hadn't gone through. She had some sort of defense. I didn't have time to figure it out.
I quickly backed away, my mind racing for another solution. The clock was ticking, and my chances were slipping away.
I gripped my sword with both hands, grounding myself in the moment. I wasn't going to give up.
<00:15>
I was running out of time. If I didn't win now, I'd lose.
But then, just as the countdown hit its final seconds, her form began to shimmer. Pixels disintegrated around her as she vanished from my sight.
The surroundings melted away, and I was back in the cold, white hall from before.